I had a Garmin GPSMAP 76 CSx. I was very pleased with it until it got swiped out of my car while I was fishing up in central Oregon last summer. Damn, I hate thieves!
The pre-loaded tide charts and solunar-derived best hunting/fishing calendars were very handy and reliable. Another nice feature for kayaking was that it floated. You can pick them up online for about $250 plus another $75-$100 if you want to add Bluecharts. Similar functions to the Vista HCx, a little bigger because it floats.
I've read good things about the Garmin Colorado 400c and Oregon 400c (touch screen). I guess these are the next generation of GPS. Easier to use and bigger displays. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who has tried one yet.
Good luck.